Language learning in secondary schools in England

This report is based upon findings from the 2011 Language Trends survey - a series of reports charting the health of language learning within the secondary curriculum in English schools.

This annual publication of findings from the Language Trends survey shows that 40% of maintained schools reported changes to their language provision since the introduction of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).

The report highlights that while the downward trend seen over the past decade continues with GCSE language take-up, the introduction of the EBacc appears to have had a positive effect on language provision in the last academic year.

While the EBacc's success in improving language up-take is being realised across the country, the report also reveals that maintained schools are dropping alternative language accreditations such as Asset Languages and NVQ language units after a steady period of growth from 45% to 33% in 2011 in spite of dissatisfaction with the GCSE.